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Assisting Our Children to Discover Their “Unique Beauty”.Every person possesses his or her unique beauty. So how do we as parents assist our children to discover their “unique beauty”?

Building strong self-esteem is an excellent starting point. Having rules of behaviour and achievement expectations that are realistic, and that set children up for success and not failure, are essential.

Keeping a spiritual dimension to our guidance is most important and the observation of the English Poet, Robert Browning is most practical: “My business is not to remake myself but to make the absolute best of what God has made.”

God, through Jesus, promises that He looks at the heart and not the outward appearances. The majority of today’s magazines do not call us to live a life like this. They place in front of us false and life-draining images which, unfortunately, many of us accept as necessary for us and almost become slaves to.

We don’t live life on the outside of our body, our real life comes from within; it is our inner beauty to which we should be directing our attention and energy.

Stage 8aVisitors to the classrooms surrounding the building site will have noticed the transformation of the Nature Play area now that the grass has been rolled out and the planting of trees and plants is about complete. Full credit to Jamie and Melisa Wendt of Northshore Landscaping for this fabulous creation.

While a nature playground was included in the original plan it had to be ‘cut’ due to the limits of our overall budget. Northshore took on this project, at a discounted price, so that our students would have something more than grass to play on.

To come is a ‘new’ boat, that will tie up at the jetty in the sand pit, courtesy of the Wheeler family. While I have yet to see it, all those who have, rave about its beauty. (Should anyone want the old, blue boat, please come collect it this week.)

We are also expecting a ‘mud kitchen’, courtesy of the Trichilo family and Crown cabinets and expect to enjoy the many mud cakes that come from it.

The water used in the creek is from the mains and will not be recycled. With safety as the major criterion, this was considered to be both the safest and most practical (although rain water tanks, bore water and a circulating system, through a tank, were considered.)

It has always been the intention to add to what they have created but sometimes I look at their work and think, “Wow, this is so amazing, what more can we add?”. Then I am reminded by teachers that upper body strength is vital and we must have monkey bars and so on. The nature play area will be an ongoing project.

Next week, we should see almost all of the remainder of the landscaping completed with the laying of turf. This will certainly eliminate the dust but also highlight the amount of space our children will soon have to play on. We do, however, need to stay off the grass for up to 12 weeks while it takes root. As tempting as it is to allow our children to play in this area immediately, it important that we take the long view, and be patient. Besides, the warranty on the grass is dependent on us staying off it until the main landscaping company, E Plan, says it is OK to use it.

The new, south-west entrance, near the roundabout, should be functional early next week. This entry is pram and wheelchair friendly, and leads through a small, paved courtyard into the classroom and playground area. Student coming in this way must still make their way directly to the Year One/Two courtyard, where they can be supervised. Parental support in this matter is of utmost importance if the use of this entry is to be continue into the future.

The heritage site of the original school building-cum-church will be re-grassed and the limestone outline of the three classrooms will be repaired in the coming days.

Bike racks will be installed on the newly paved area near the eastern school entry. (Remember that the buildings where the current bike racks are will be demolished late this year.)

A glass screen will be fixed to the top of the boundary wall adjacent to the Pre Kindy room, also in the near future. This will raise the height of the wall to an extent that should ensure the safety of our children.

Smart, interactive, touch-screen, internet connected TVs, almost like giant iPads in function, have been installed in each of the new classrooms. These can be used as standalone devices or connected to the teacher’s computer.

Shelving systems for the various storerooms are on order and, when they arrive, generous and energetic parents might volunteer to put them together in the Pre Kindy, Kindy, Pre Primary, ECE equipment store and the shed in the far SE corner of the block! There is a free coffee in it if that will get the numbers.

Stage 8b, the extension of the hall, alterations to the admin building and the conversion of the resource room into a classroom, will go to tender in the coming weeks.

Child Safe FrameworkChild safety is a key priority of OLG and the Catholic school system of WA. No child can learn and flourish if he or she feels unsafe. With this in mind catholic education WA (CEWA) has announced a Child Safe Framework which is based on the latest research in child safety for institutions, is evidence-based, best practice and consistent with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations.

It is based on a model that models healthy and respectful relationships – we want to prevent problem behaviours and abuse from occurring in the first place – and two primary concepts:

Extended guardianship – leaders, staff and school community share a collective responsibility to take an active role in the safety and wellbeing of children. It is creating a culture that normalises discussion and feedback no matter who is involved, particularly in ambiguous situations.

This is not an encouragement to gossip nor slander.

It is important to recognise that Catholic schools, and OLG, have strengths in child safety, are highly regulated and have a long history of practising pastoral care, including child safety. Long before it was mandatory, OLG included Protective Behaviours in its curriculum, taught across PP to Year 7 (that far back!)

2018 School ThemesEach year, the OLG staff set a range of areas we will focus on with a view to doing better – making our school a better school. Some of these are academic, some pastoral, some administrative, some cultural shifts.

Below is a sample of our foci for this year. This list does not cover all areas we intend to improve in but should give some insight into what happens in terms of our professional efforts this year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Integrate this aspect of the curriculum more effectively and thoroughly. Staff members leading this thrust are: Mrs Heal, Schenk and Mrs Sputore.

Teacher Expectations

Prof. Hattie’s research is emphatic that the higher teacher expectations are regarding individual student capabilities the higher will be that child’s achievements. We need to know our students, as individuals, better and believe that they are each capable of great things, great learning.

Common Assessment Tasks (CAT)

Effectiveness of our teaching of our more able student.

OLG consistently achieves quite outstanding learning growth for those children whose ‘performance’ is in the bottom half of their OLG cohort performance. Be aware, that this level can actually be close to and above the national mean performance level.

We have the belief that OLG students, each and every one of them, can and should demonstrate a high level of learning. Hattie has stated that Australia, as a whole, has a relatively, poor track record with its more able students. Our goal is to disprove that and do even better than we currently do with that section of our student population.

Student wellbeing

There is little more distressing to a parent than a child who is unhappy about going to school. We employ staff partly on the basis of their degree of interest in, like and care of children. “Would I want my child to be taught by this person?”.Increasingly we encounter children suffering from anxiety and stress. OLG is not alone. Reports suggest that this is a nation-wide, if not international, trend.While we have in place many programs and interventions to deal with this we feel we need to do more. It does, however, need to be addressed in tandem with families.We are currently researching a number of approaches that we hope will be beneficial for our students and their parents.

Last week our Year One to Six classes were each involved in a 30-minute workshop with Amy Murray from start Smart. The Start Smart program changes the way young people learn about money. By making money management interactive, engaging and fun through a series of workshops and online resources, students are equipped with the confidence and competence to make smart decisions about money.

Last night I received the following from Amy:“Hi Chris,I just wanted to email to thank you for having me at the beautiful Our Lady of Grace School last week.It is one of the loveliest schools I have ever visited and I will be sure to return.Thanks again. ?All the best,Amy.”

Congratulations to Sophie Comb (PPW) and family on the safe arrival of her sister yesterday.

Congratulations to Luca Mordini (KW) and family on the safe arrival of his brother Alex.

BUS CHANGES:From Monday 26 February, Route 424 to Stirling Station and School Special 783 to Warwick Station, previously departing at 3.10pm, will now depart Our Lady of Grace School at 3.00pm, to accommodate an earlier finish time.

There will be no other time changes to these routes.

Please note, the Route 424 timetable will be updated on the next reprint.

On behalf of the North Beach SVDP Society I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks for the generous support offered by the school community, especially over the past Christmas period.With the donations and sacrifices made in providing for others this enabled us to distribute Christmas hampers to over 50 families in our region.This in the main provided a little unexpected happiness to families that are struggling to maintain their basic needs and dignity let alone contemplate a Christmas most of us take for granted.Again on behalf of those you have assisted we offer our heart felt thanks.

Vince ThompsonNth Beach SVDP

Invitation: In the name of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sister Maureen, Sister Joseph and Sister Emilia would like to invite your family to a gathering on Saturday 24th February at Our Lady of Grace Parish Centre.

We'll begin with mass at 11am, followed by light refreshment, a short presentation by our sisters from Sydney and closing with lunch. Activities are planned for the children during the adult presentation.

We hope to see you there.

RSVP: Convent Phone: (08) 9447 1769

Tess Doulas: Mobile 0427 850681, email: tessdoulas@gmail.com

“OLG Run for Fun” is a free running club where kids of all ages and fitness levels can come together before school to run and exercise in a positive and supportive environment. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to run with the kids and have fun.

We all know running is a great way to get fit, but it offers so much more. Kids who exercise in the morning are generally more engaged and focussed during lesson time. Running clubs enable kids to build friendships and have fun. Running builds healthy hearts and minds and brings joy to children.

OLG Run for Fun is run by volunteer parents each Tuesday and Thursday morning during school terms and will commence on Tuesday 27 February 2018. The more parents, the more fun! OLG Run for Fun will include some warm up activities and games and there will be a couple of running courses, of different lengths, around Charles Riley Reserve to suit different ages and fitness levels. There will be no free breakfast or awards - it’s just for fun.

As the club is run by volunteer parents, students in Year 3 or below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to ensure adequate supervision. A permission slip for all students must be completed before your child can participate. Permission slips will be available for signing at the first session your child chooses to attend.

Days: Every Tuesday and Thursday morning (starting 27 February 2018)Start time: 7.40am to 8.15am (volunteer parents will then walk kids to school)Where: Meet at the south east corner of the football clubrooms at Charles Riley ReserveWhat to bring: Drink bottle, sneakers and the right attitudeCost: NilCommitment: None – simply come for a run if you want to have funParents: Please run with your kids, they (and you) will love having you involvedRemember: Eat breakfast at home first or bring something to eat after the run.Volunteers: More parent volunteers are always required, please click on the linkbelow to let us know if your available to help out during the sessions.More Info: Contact Dave Nelson or Ann Howard on 0412 771 741 or email ahoward82@gmail.com

RUN FOR FUN ROSTER 2018:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JRey7agUGdaD_mp5no9uJFAcTZ_g2D_GTJvoLIWcL_w/edit?usp=sharing

The body achieves what the mind believes.

ACRO CLASSES @ OLGCome and join us for some fun & fitness right here at school!!!!WEDNESDAYS 3.15-4.15IN THE MPAClasses start Wednesday 28th Feb for 7 weeks.Just $13 per class

Strength, flexibility, balance and acro skills taught in a fun, familiar environment with their friends.Younger kids will be collected from their classrooms sojust pick them up at 4.15!!To register & for more information please contactLisa at corefitkids@hotmail.comOr call 0404 935308

Netball News

OLG Netball Club is looking for anyone Year 7 and older interested in umpiring for an OLG team this season. Any queries please contact Marissa Krajcar olgncumpire@gmail.com. Thank you.

This year, due to our exciting building developments, we are possibly looking to find a new venue for our end of year wind-up and sponsorship would make this happen. We are also looking to provide our Year 4-6 girls with some specialty coaching clinics. We would love it if anyone out there was thinking of sponsoring, to come on board to help us out.

Basketball News

A Service of Prayer & Song in the style of Taize –Short chants repeated give a meditative character and PeaceCandle light, prayer and silence in the presence of the cross.Thursday 1st March 7.30pm - 8.30pm

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMMECONFIRMATION - Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is underway. Please make note of the following dates if you have children preparing for this sacrament. Attendance at all events is required for your child to receive the sacrament.FAITH FORMATION (Parents) - 13th MarchENQUIRY WEEKEND - 17th/18th MarchENROLMENT - 24th/25th MarchPARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP - 5th AprilCOMMITMENT WEEKEND - 7th/8th AprilSACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION - 26th/27th May

CHURCH CLEANINGWe have a dedicated team of wonderful cleaners who give of their time 4 or 5 times a year to clean the church. For those who are on the roster and perhaps are finding it hard to commit due to change in circumstances please let the Parish Office know. That way we can make adjustments to groups in order to ensure we have enough cleaners each week.

If you would like to join the cleaning roster we would love to hear from you. We have groups of 4 or 5 who clean for about an hour 4 to 5 times a year. Most groups clean on Friday afternoons at 2 pm but we do have Saturday morning groups who clean after the morning mass. If this is something you think you would like to be a part of then please contact the Parish Office or Clare Broad (sacramental.olg@gmail.com) for further information.

Paul Litherland, from Surf Online Safe will be attending Newman College on the Monday 19 March, to conduct a presentation on the subject of cyber safety. Paul's presentations are very informative and offer some great tips and tricks on how to keep kids safe online, as well as how to stay one step ahead of them in the online world.

Iona Presentation College will be hosting two Open Mornings in March and one later in September this year. For more information click here

Cycling Without Age - Sorrento: A parent at the school has bought this initiative to Perth. The launch is this Saturday. She would love the students and grandparents to be aware of the Trishaw. We give free cycle rides up and down the coast to our elderly. A free trial will be held this Saturday 24th February from 9am - 11am at Sorrento Quay Boardwalk.

Story

Too often when our senior citizens become confined to their own homes or reside in Care Homes, they lack the freedom to get outdoors and explore the world around them.

My goal is to purchase a specially designed trishaw so that I can offer free bike rides to local nursing home residents and those whoare lesser abled.. I plan to cycle along the wide cycle paths of West Coast Drive, between North Beach and Mullaloo. What better way to explore the beautiful Perth coastline, and get seniors to reconnect with nature and the community.

Sponsorship is encouraged. Local business logos can be fixed to my trike, aiding the promotion of your business.The cost to get started includes the Danish made trike, helmets, reflective vests with Logo, rugs and scarves, the cost of building the bike enclosure and insurance as well as the cost of the launch.

Cycling Without AgeCycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents.

There are now more than 300 chapters across 29 countries and 3,000 volunteers that take people out on bike rides for those who cannot ride bikes anymore. It is my aim to start the Western Australian chapter of this initiative.

There are stories of seniors improving not only their mental health but also their physical state from the renewed sense of freedom, friendship and fun through the program.

About the trishawsThe trishaws come equipped with an electric assist motor which will help me pedal up hills, as well as a weather hood and rain and wind proof blanket to keep my passengers comfortable and warm. The trishaws will accommodate 1-2 passengers.